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Auckland: Great Northerner: Premier Escorted Vacation

Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
US$ 3,545

FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOURING: Take a New Zealand vacation that introduces you to the natural wonders and Maori culture of the North Island. Get acquainted with the country in picturesque Auckland before touring the ancient Maori sites of the Bay of Islands and Rotorua and closing out your trip in Windy Welly.


This 9-day New Zealand vacation takes you across the North Island of New Zealand to experience incredible landscapes and Maori culture.

Your New Zealand tour begins in Auckland, a city that’s consistently rated as one of the most livable on the planet. A part of what makes this city so special is its natural beauty. The city is located on a stretch of land surrounded by a natural harbour on either side. A great way to appreciate the city is to view the harbours from contrasting angles. First, cruise out onto Waitemata Harbour to explore it from sea level before scaling the heights of the Sky Tower to view it from above. Head north from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, a region of 140 subtropical islands that boasts incredible beaches and fishing spots. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see where the British and Maori signed their historic treaty before heading out on a dolphin-watching expedition.

Head back south past Auckland to the Waitomo Caves where you’ll venture through natural tunnels lit by thousands of glow worms. In Rotorua you can marvel at the natural assortment of mud pools and hot springs that makes this area one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist hubs. Soak in the hot springs and check out Pohutu Geyser, which shoots water 30 meters into the air. Then meet the area’s Maori locals, visiting the Whakarewarewa village in the nearby valley and taking in a hangi feast to appreciate the island’s indigenous culinary traditions.

Close out your New Zealand vacation in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and its second largest city. Again, the landscape is much of the city’s appeal. Ride the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens and look out over Cook Strait, which separates the North Island from the South. Then stroll through the hillside, surveying the city’s Victorian timber homes and taking the time to appreciate its ascendant arts culture. You might want to take in a museum before your return flight. With the National Archives, National Art Gallery, National Library, and Museum of New Zealand, you’ll have plenty to choose from.


 

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Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
US$ 3,545

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland



    The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland is situated in the heart of Auckland within walking distance to restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and Auckland's exciting America's Cup village. The hotel has fully appointed and stylish rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are designed to …

    The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland is situated in the heart of Auckland within walking distance to restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and Auckland's exciting America's Cup village.

    The hotel has fully appointed and stylish rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are designed to ensure that you have everything you need, in an utterly modern and delightfully relaxing environment. The in house restaurant serves a wide variety of New Zealand cuisine and other international delicacies. You can also unwind with a fine drink after a tiring day.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

Day 2

Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe's Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands where you will enjoy a visit to the historic Treaty House and ceremonial War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Dinner
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands Paihia

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands Paihia



    This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The hotels 180 non air conditioned guest …

    This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The hotels 180 non air conditioned guest rooms offer individual balconies or patios and offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is the perfect base when you want to play scenic golf courses, participate in some of the best big game fishing in the world, and experience the wonder of the local native bush walks or to simply relax in a picturesque location.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Spa
    • Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
    • Tennis Court
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

Day 3

Bay of Islands

See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 4

Bay of Islands, Auckland

Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour; enjoy a unique All Blacks experience; visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand; immerse yourself in Unleashed - A Weta Workshop Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland's wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Dinner
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland



    The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland is situated in the heart of Auckland within walking distance to restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and Auckland's exciting America's Cup village. The hotel has fully appointed and stylish rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are designed to …

    The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland is situated in the heart of Auckland within walking distance to restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, and Auckland's exciting America's Cup village.

    The hotel has fully appointed and stylish rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are designed to ensure that you have everything you need, in an utterly modern and delightfully relaxing environment. The in house restaurant serves a wide variety of New Zealand cuisine and other international delicacies. You can also unwind with a fine drink after a tiring day.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

Day 5

Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua

Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto lit by these magical creatures, before continuing to Rotorua.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Dinner
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Millennium Hotel Rotorua



    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 …

    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles.

    Facilities

    • Business Centre
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Massage Treatments
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 6

Rotorua

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 7

Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand's North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Dinner
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

InterContinental Wellington

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    InterContinental Wellington



    Intercontinental Wellington is a modern luxury hotel perfect for leisure or business travellers. Located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the scenic harbour, it is the ideal base to explore the local businesses, shopping and cultural centres. There are 232 stylish rooms …

    Intercontinental Wellington is a modern luxury hotel perfect for leisure or business travellers. Located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the scenic harbour, it is the ideal base to explore the local businesses, shopping and cultural centres. There are 232 stylish rooms to choose from and several modern conveniences on site for you to enjoy.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Bellman/Porters
    • Business Centre
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Lounge(s)
    • Massage Treatments
    • Pool (s)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Secretarial Service
    • Spa
    • Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 8

Wellington

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington's best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mt Victoria, the waterfront area and New Zealand's national museum - Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 9

Depart Wellington

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

2023: February 8, 11, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 12, 21, 28; May 5, 19;
September 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 5, 12, 26
2024: January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29;
April 5, 12, 26; May 10, 24; June 7

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Arrival and departure transfers in New Zealand
  • Porterage and tipping
  • 8 nights' accommodation
  • Experiences in six destinations.
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in two locations.
  • Finest dining - a total of 12 meals.
  • The services of an expert APT tour director and driver.
  • Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

TB AUSTRALAUC0123CO: NCW10
24 May 2024
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